15 Best Scotch Whisky Bars in New York City (Local's Ranking)

Good to know Incredible selection, fair prices, old world & local’s vibes

The Bar at Keens is everything you could hope for in a whisky bar – cozy wood paneling, knowledgeable bartenders, a dazzling selection of scotch, stalwart locals, and a menu fit for a king at prices every man can enjoy.

I’m sure my wife will love this next line but walking into the pub at Keen’s feels like coming home. Featuring over 250 single malt scotches alone (not to mention the hundreds of other malts), Keens is the best scotch whisky bar in New York City.

My most recent order was a Glen Scotia 15, Longrow CV, & an Arran Port Cask Finish. And while you might be thinking that’s a lot of drams for a single sitting, Keen’s is one of those rare NYC whisky bars that allows one ounce pours.

And as if the whisky wasn’t enough, Keen’s also has some of the finest “pub fare” if you can call it that, in the city – massive steaks, delicious burgers, and so much more.

Good to know Great selection, neighborhood vibes, friendly staff, tastings

I must admit it took me way too long to visit the Travel Bar in Carroll Gardens. It’s not exactly on the way to anything and despite my regular visits to Brooklyn, it still felt like a trek.

I’ll go so far as to say those on the hunt for the best scotch bar in New York City may perhaps reach the end of their quest here.

Warm and inviting, the vibes at Travel Bar are perfect. The bartenders are friendly and down-to-earth, it’s easy to see why this such a popular neighborhood haunt. All credit goes to the bar’s owner Mike Vacheresse, who’s regularly on hand to answer questions and make suggestions.

If I lived closer, this would definitely be my go-to bar.

Given the impressive selection of over 450 whiskies, the pours are surprisingly affordable. Of note, Travel Bar offers one ounce pours which gives ardent whiskey enthusiasts the opportunity to sample a variety of exciting scotches they’d normal skip due to price.

Hands down, Travel Bar is the best scotch whisky bar in Brooklyn and quite possibly the best in the city. I’ll have to visit a few more times to make that determination. But it there’s a more reasonably-priced whisky bar in NYC, I’ve yet to find it.

If bourbon and rum are more your speed, this Brooklyn whisky bar has you covered in that department as well.

Good to know Amazing selection, high prices, upscale vibes

Due to all the fanfare and hype, I was skeptical to visit the Brandy Library. Maybe I’m weary of establishments that. Or maybe I was subconsciously bracing to justify the eye-watering tab I’d wrack up by the end of the night.

In any event, I finally mustered up the courage to go and was really glad I did. Without doubt, Brandy Library has the. Home to more than 500 bottles of scotch alone, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

One bottle that caught my wife’s eye immediately was the glass-enclosed Yamazaki 55, which clocks in at a cool million dollars (assuming you can find a place to buy it).

The Brandy Library is everything you hope for in a serious whisky experience – extremely knowledgeable “librarians,” excellent drams, wall to wall brown, and fair(ish) prices. We were lucky to have Liam guide us through our tour of some of his favorite drams.

Next time I return I’ll opt for the stave tasting which includes nine half ounce pours selected by the on-duty librarian catered to your tastes (scotch, japanese, bourbon etc) for $95. If you’re looking for interesting guided whisky experiences in NYC, the Brandy Library gets my vote.

Good to know Great selection, fair prices, old world & local’s vibes

Sipping a dram at Fraunces Tavern one imagines the kinds of conversations General Washingtonce had with young Alexander Hamilton in perhaps the very same spot over some foul ale of the time.

The vibes are very old world which makes sense given that Fraunces is the oldest bar in New York City. How old you might wonder? Built in 1719, Fraunces Tavern is now over 300 years old, older than America itself by a solid 57 years (cheers to that).

But these ruminations can only be temporary at such an epic NYC whisky bar where the mind focuses mainly on the vast selection of single malt scotch whiskies available at one’s fingertips. My most recent order was an elusive Ardbeg Ardcore for $28.

While they don’t allow single ounce pours here, the bartenders are affable and there’s often live music to enjoy whilst you imbibe.

Good to know Ritzy, upscale, expensive, fine and rare whiskies

Old school meets new school in this ritzy Midtown locale where the name of the game is opulence, and that extends to the whisky list.

Designed to impress, The Bar at the Baccarat Hotel is the spot to go when you close that big deal or get that long-awaited promotion.

At any moment you’d expect to see some debonair suit-clad local walk up to the bar and order their signature shaken, not stirred.

And if you’re wondering what the price tag on this important feeling is, well, let’s just say high. Of all the whisky bars I’ve been to in New York City the Baccarat is easily the most expensive. Standard drams get a hefty luxury tax.

In all fairness though, The Bar isn’t the kind of place to order a standard dram. Here you’ll find some of the. Bottles like the Macallan M Black go for a cool $800/1oz – whoa.

But even if you don’t splurge for the M Black, you’ll feel like a million bucks because all libations are served in luxurious Baccarat crystal glasses.

Good to know Great prices, interesting finds, casual vibes

The Copper Still might be the most surprising place I’ve found to drink scotch in NYC. From the outside, the bar is rather unassuming, resembling any number of eclectic bars in the East Village.

And while the vibes trend toward dive, the menu does not. Catch a glimpse of the whisky selection behind the bar and you know you’ve stumbled upon somewhat of one of those places you only hear about from locals.

I was thrilled to find both Red Spot & Blue Spot, my favorite Irish whiskies. Beyond the variety of Irish whiskies on offer, I caught sight of a dusty ancient-looking bottle of Cadenheads on the top shelf. Unpriced, the bartender gave the manager a quick call for a price check and within minutes, I was sipping 30 year gold for under $30.

Good to know Great tasting flight deals, good selection, upscale cozy vibes

If this was a ranking of the best whisky bar vibes in NYC then the Fireplaces should be a prerequisite to get your scotch whisky license.

Few things are better in life than sipping a fine single malt scotch while enjoying the warmth of a hearth with friends. The Ludlow Lobby Bar offers this in style.

Now I’ll admit, the whisky menu here is on the pricey side. But, the whisky flights are a fantastic deal. We’re talking a Yamazaki 12, Macallan 12 Sherry Cask, & Old Rip Van Winkle for… $30! Um, hello.

Needless to say if you’re looking for the best whisky flight deals in NYC, the Lobby Bar is you’re spot.

Good to know Trendy vibes, on the pricey side, nice selection

Whereas plenty of New York’s whisky bars go for old world charm, the Parlour Room is a new school cool with high ceilings, mid-century appeal, and over 450 whiskies – the perfect kind of place to impress someone on a first date.

The bar’s location, in the middle of what I dubbed NYC’s whisky alley, is right next to Keens and a block away from the Flatiron Room (another whisky bar).

The highlight at the Parlour Room are the whisky flights, and while not as inexpensive as those you’ll find at the Ludlow’s Lobby Bar, the selection here is more impressive.

Good to know Great selection (especially Irish whisky), friendly dive vibes, a bit pricey

Most cocktail enthusiasts known to make pilgrimages to the Dead Rabbit, billed World’s Best Bar multiple years in a row. The cocktails are worth a detour, no doubt, but this an article about whisky, and Dead Rabbit delivers in that department as well.

While it’s easily one of the best Irish pubs in NYC with an amazing Irish whisky selection, the Dead Rabbit also has an impressive selection of scotch. Based on what I’ve seen, I’d say they have at least 50 or so bottles of scotch on hand. While you’re in the hood, be sure to stop in at Fraunces Tavern & Manahatta, just blocks away.

Good to Know. Amazing selection, sky-high prices

Copper & Oak is the younger sibling to the Brandy Library. Here you’ll find a similarly spectacular selection in a far more intimate setting. There are roughly eight bar stools available as well as a standing counter to enjoy your drams.

The knowledge of head bartender Matsushita is legendary. Ask him anything – he knows. If they don’t have the exact dram you’re looking for, they’ll have something similar. The only drawback? Copper & Oak’s prices are steep.

Keen’s is the best overall scotch whisky bar when factoring in the combination of bang for your buck, selection, and vibes. Manhatta is best for the views and put together selection. The Brandy Library has the best selection.